HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The plan to take a portion of Hermann Park donated to Houstonians 111 years ago and pave it over to build a new Ben Taub hospital is one step closer to reality.

On Tuesday morning, the Harris Health board approved a plan to condemn 8.9 acres of parkland through eminent domain, allowing the agency to build a new hospital and a parking garage.

"All in favor say Aye. Any opposed?"

The vote was quick, and inside the bowels of the Harris Health administration building. There was no obvious opposition to such a significant step in paving over a historic piece of Houston greenspace.

"I don't know if I was surprised because I feel like they've been planning this for a long time," said Dorsey Parker, whose great-great-great-grandfather donated the land to Houston. "Dis

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